Perfect Patio Doors Provide a Fresh Approach to Inspired Outdoor Living

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. April 30, 2008 — For years, it squeaked and squealed and stuck. 

Finally, after updating the landscaping and creating a beautiful new outdoor living space, the Adairs had had enough. They switched out their old original sliding patio door with a show-stopping new JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass folding door system.

 “It has literally changed our view of the space and how it works with the rest of the house, providing much greater access and openness,” said homeowner Brent Adair. “Frankly, we enjoy our outdoor area all that much more because of it.”

Experts at JELD-WEN say that while outdoor living has become a major focus for homeowners, especially this time of year, the opportunity is still knocking to create a truly inspired outdoor space by simply selecting the right patio door.

“Patio door options are as personalized and varied as the number of outdoor spaces themselves,” said Rod Clark, JELD-WEN product marketing manager.  “It pays to be choosy because the right door will help highlight and enhance outdoor living spaces, making them more useable and comfortable.”

What makes for a good patio door is a combination of personal taste as well as practical considerations, says Clark.  Homeowners need to factor in traffic flow and access, how best to play up natural elements such as light and fresh air, and take into account the desire for privacy and potential space restrictions. With this in mind, JELD-WEN experts offer six key considerations for how to choose the perfect patio door:

Tip 1:  Get into the swing of it
 Sliders and gliders work well for places where space is tight. Inswing, outswing and French doors need to allow for an appropriate amount of space to operate, but they can help maximize indoor outdoor access. Consider factors such as furniture and wall placement before determining which system is right for the space.  Other options include a stationary panel with one operating inswing or outswing door.

Tip 2:  Explore the great wide open
Wider doorways provide greater access and stronger connections to the outdoors.  They can also become beautiful focal points, as demonstrated by JELD-WEN’s impressive Folding Door system that can literally open up an entire wall and operates accordion style. Homeowners can choose systems to create an opening as
wide as 48 feet. JELD-WEN also offers a 90-degree option for its Folding Door system that meets in the corner, with no post required. 

Tip 3:  Take a fresh approach
Controlling ventilation and being able to bring in fresh air is also a benefit of indoor- outdoor living. Options include not only screens, but different entry door styles not typically thought of as a “standard” patio door, such as a Dutch door. This particular style is literally cut in half, allowing the top to operate independently from the bottom.  Advantages include the ability to open up the top portion to allow for fresh air and a greater connection to the outdoors, while keeping the bottom half closed to help corral children and pets.

 Tip 4: Take panes to enhance privacy and protection
Glass is the main focal point for patio doors, and selecting the right type offers a number of benefits. Low-E glass helps lower energy bills all year and protects against UV fading. Decorative tempered glass can offer privacy, yet still allow for natural light.  JELD-WEN patio doors with optional ImpactGard® provide protection against severe weather as well as potential break-ins. JELD-WEN vinyl patio doors are available with optional blinds between the glass to control light and views.

Tip 5:  Make friends with low maintenance
Choosing the right materials can reduce time and money spent on ongoing maintenance. Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and wood clad patio doors weather well and don’t need painting.  For easy exterior glass cleaning, JELD-WEN also offers Neat™ Glass, which features a layer of titanium dioxide that reacts with the sun’s UV rays (even on cloudy days) to break down and loosen dirt. A thin layer of silicon dioxide lets water disperse evenly and evaporate quickly, which greatly reduces spots.

Tip 6: Be materialistic
Different materials can offer certain style, performance and price advantages. Large glass lites in wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum are options to consider.  Patio doors in wood, fiberglass, vinyl and aluminum can help achieve different goals when it comes to coordinating with various architectural styles.

JELD-WEN experts maintain that selecting the right patio door helps create a more enjoyable and functional outdoor space, and it can make a big difference indoors as well.

“The right door effectively bridges the gap between indoors and out, so we always advise people to consider their choices as carefully as they would any other aspect of their outdoor living space,” said Clark.  “By selecting the appropriate style and performance features, it’s a decision that will pay off over the long run in many different ways.”

About JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN, inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Based in Klamath Falls, Ore., JELD-WEN began as a small Oregon millwork plant with 15 employees in 1960, and has grown to more than 20,000 employees in nearly 150 locations worldwide. Today the company manufactures a full breadth of windows, doors and garage doors, and has earned numerous awards and endorsements for reliability, innovation and excellence. For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN® products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482